A team of Government officials could be sent in to run Basildon Council if the stalemate between the parties is not resolved.
Labour has given up administration and the Conservatives will only take control if chairman Joe White of the Liberal Democrats steps down - something he will not do.
In a situation where no party will take control, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister sends in a team of officials who act as the council's cabinet.
The Conservatives are now going to up their campaign to convince Mr White to step down.
They are insisting on this because he holds the casting vote. Labour leader Nigel Smith is furious with the Tories for refusing to take control of the council after he gave up his reign after councillors Mo Larkin and David Abrahall became Independent Labour members.
He said: "The Conservatives have worked with Larkin and Abrahall to wreck my administration."
Published Friday October 18, 2002
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